Age Limitation
The minimum age requirement for all entrants to the Defence Forces is 18 - Applicants must be not less than 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.
Educational Qualification Requirement - Army
Army Recruit - Soldier
- No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. However, you must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces
Dental Surgery Attendant Army (Direct Entry)
- A candidate for appointment as Dental Surgery Attendants must possess a certificate in Dental Nursing, or equivalent.
Dental Surgery Hygienist Army (Direct Entry)
- A candidate for appointment as Dental Surgery Hygienist must possess a Diploma in Dental Hygiene, or equivalent.
Army Bands Instrumentalist (Direct Entry)
- You must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Forces.
- Demonstrate a standard of instrumental competence consistent with performance in a professional military band.
Army Equitation School Groom
- You must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Forces
Army Apprentice
- At the time of application, a candidate must have obtained specific minimum grades in ordinary or higher level in at least 5 subjects in one sitting of the Junior Certificate. The 5 subjects (and specific minimum grades) must include the following:
| Subject |
Grade |
| Irish and /or English |
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level) |
| Maths* |
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level) |
* One of the subjects listed hereunder
| Subject |
Grade |
| Metalwork |
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level)
|
|
Materials Technology
|
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level)
|
|
Science
|
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level)
|
|
Technical Graphics
|
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level)
|
|
Technology
|
Grade C (Ordinary Level) or Grade D (Higher Level)
|
*Foundation Level Maths is NOT acceptable
Officer Cadetship School Leavers – Army/Equitation School
Must possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3 Ordinary/Higher level papers, in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination. Each candidate must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:
- Mathematics.
- Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply).
- English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculation Regulations).
- Third Language (accepted for NUI Matriculation Registration purposes. NUI matriculation exemptions apply).
- Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.
Officer Cadetship Graduate Applicants – Army/Equitation School
- Must possess as a minimum Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:
- Mathematics
- Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply)
- English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculation Regulations).
- Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.
AND
- For all applicants have obtained a recognised degree i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004. With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor Degree programme at pass or honours level (Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications).
Army Medical Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate must:
(a) Possess the minimum qualifications of M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., or L.R.C.P. and S.I.
(b) Hold current, full registration with the Medical Council of Ireland. (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
(c) Have 3 years post graduate experience.
In addition, it is desirable but not essential that candidates be entered on one of the following Specialist Register of the Medical Council of Ireland:
- Emergency Medicine
- Anaesthetist
- General Practice Medicine
- Occupational Medicine
- Psychiatric specialties
- Public Health Medicine
Army Dental Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate must:
(a) Possess a degree or licence in dental surgery from a University or recognised licensing body.
(b) Be registered in the Dental Register of the Irish Dental Council. (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
(c) Have three (3) years post graduate experience.
Army Pharmacist Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate must:
(a) Possess the qualifications of B.Sc. Pharm.
(b) Be a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
(c) Have three (3) years post graduate experience.
Army Psychiatrist Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate must:
(a) Possess the minimum qualifications of MRC Psych. or equivalent.
(b) Hold current, full registration with the Medical Council of Ireland. (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
(c) Be entered on, or eligible to be entered on, the Specialist Register division of Psychiatry of the Medical Council of Ireland.
Army Clinical Psychologist Officer
A candidate must:
(a) Possess the minimum qualifications of MSc or MA in Clinical Psychology or equivalent.
(b) Who has experience in one-to-one psychotherapeutic intervention in trauma cases is desirable.
Army Engineer Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate for appointment as Engineer Officer in the Corps of Engineers must hold a third level Degree recognised for corporate membership of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland, or the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in one of the following subjects:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Building Services Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Architecture
Army Ordnance Officer (Direct Entry)
A candidate for appointment as Ordnance Officer in the Ordnance Corp must hold a third level Degree in either:
- Engineering in one of the following subjects - Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Chemical, Mechatronics or equivalent.Or
- Science with one of the following main subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent.
Educational Qualification Requirement – Air Corp
School Leavers/Non Graduates - Must posses a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3 Ordinary/Higher level papers, in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination.
Leaving Certificate Applied does not qualify for this competition.
A minimum of Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:
1. Mathematics.
2. Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply).
3. English. (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculations Regulations).
4. Third language (accepted for NUI Matriculation Registration purposes. NUI matriculations exemptions apply).
5. Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.
Graduates - Must possess as a minimum Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:
1. Mathematics.
2. Irish or English
3. Any four Matriculation subjects not already selected.
AND
Must have obtained a recognised degree i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004. With effect from 2005 have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at level 8 or higher of the National Framework of Qualifications.
Please Note: Applications for all categories of Cadetships are invited from person who have applied to sit for examinations in the competition year as will enable them to satisfy the minimum educational qualifications criteria as specified above. Further information on matriculation is available on www.nui.ie. Candidates must provide documentary proof from the National University of Ireland at Stage 1 of the selection procedure for any educational exemptions.
Educational Qualification Requirement – Naval Service
Sailor
You must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Forces
Officer Cadetship School Leavers – Naval Service WatchKeeping/ Marine Engineering Officer
- Must possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3 Ordinary/Higher level papers, in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination. Each candidate must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:
- Mathematics
- Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply)
- English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculation Regulations)
- Third Language (accepted for NUI Matriculation Registration purposes. NUI matriculation exemptions apply)
- Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.
Officer Cadetship Graduate Applicants – Naval Service WatchKeeping/ Marine Engineering Officer
- Must possess as a minimum Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects
- Mathematics
- Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply)
- English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculation Regulations)
- Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.
AND
- For all applicants: have obtained a recognised degree i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004 or (with effect from 2005) have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications).
OR
- For Naval Service Cadetship Applicants: hold a Diploma with merit or distinction (from a recognised institution) in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering for Operations Branch and Engineering Branch Cadetships respectively as awarded to the end of 2004, or with effect from 2005, have successfully completed an ordinary degree course (Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications) (from a recognised institution) in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering for Operations Branch and Engineering Branch Cadetships respectively.
Naval Service WatchKeeping Officer (Direct Entry)
- A candidate for appointment as Watchkeeping Officer in the Naval Service must hold the following qualifications:
- A Department of the Marine Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer), Class 1,2 or 3 with Watchkeeping experience, Or
- A Recognised Naval Watchkeeping Certificate, Or
- A marine qualification that is determined by the Minister of Defence to be at least equivalent to the qualifications outlined above
Naval Service Marine Engineering Officer (Direct Entry)
- A candidate for appointment as Marine Engineering Officer in the Naval Service must hold the following qualifications:
- A Department of the Marine Class 1 or 2 (Motor) Certificate of Competency, Or
- Royal Navy (British) Marine Engineering Officers Charge Certificate Qualification (MCQ), Or
- A marine qualification that is determined by the Minister of Defence to be at least equivalent to the qualifications outlined above.
The Army is structured into two all-arms brigades, consisting of combat, combat support and combat service support elements. Each brigade is designated a territorial area of responsibility, specific garrison locations and a recruitment area.
The Naval Service, based in Haulbowline, Co. Cork, has a flotilla of eight ships, a headquarters, an operations command, a logistical support command and a Naval Service College.
The Air Corps, based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, consists of a headquarters, two operational wings, two support wings, an Air Corps Training College, and a Communication and Information Services Squadron.
The Army Reserve is organised on an integrated basis. In practice, Reserve units for sub-units of Permanent Defence Forces units, to which they are affiliated. The particular Permanent Defence Forces unit is then responsible for the equipping and training of its Reserve elements (sub-units).
The Naval Service Reserve is divided into two groups known as the Eastern Reserve Group and the Southern Reserve Group.